James Christopher O'Connor

Officer James O'Connor was killed when his motorcycle was struck head on by another vehicle.

Officer O'Connor and three fellow officers were returning from a motorcycle training session in Santa Maria. Officer O'Connor was riding in the left rear position of a box formation with the other officers on California 154 outside Santa Ynez when a car veered into the path of the motorcyclists. Three officers managed to swerve, but Officer O'Connor was struck head-on and thrown 60 feet, his helmet knocked loose by the impact. He was transported to Santa Ynez Valley Hospital where he died from his injuries.

The 78-year-old driver of the car was not cited in the incident.

Officer O'Connor had served with the California Highway Patrol for 8 years and was assigned to Ventura. He was survived by his wife, who was also a California Highway Patrol Officer, and three stepdaughters.